Recommended Books for Self-Published Authors

Writing Books

First things first: know your craft. Develop your writing voice. Novelists, learn the ingredients that make up plot. Memoirists, learn fiction writing techniques to make your story compelling and universal. Here are some books to get your started.

Mixes creative inspiration with practical advice about craft. This book guides you on accessing your natural voice, using voice as a springboard to characters and for discovering the form of your story, and includes a breakthrough approach to revision. My all-time favorite writing book.

Covers story craft in a simple formula, the creative process, self-editing, time management, and getting into print. Great book for those of us who write first drafts by the seat of our pants (pantsing).

From creating your book, to marketing, building a cash-generating website, developing multiple income streams, getting your book into bookstores, maximizing ebook profits, and more, this is the book to own if you’re pursuing self-publishing. Includes a timeline of what you need to do, and when.

Walks you through the book production process from start to finish, marketing your manuscript, getting the most out of your publishing budget, converting your physical book into digital e-book form, efficiently fulfill orders for your book, and generating buzz beyond your local community of acquaintances.

Writer’s Platform Books

To sell your books, you need a platform. These two books cover the basics.

A step-by-step guide to help you develop book ideas that sell. Follow the steps, and you’ll have a book proposal ready to submit to agents and publishers.

Productivity Books

Treat your creative output like a business. That means being able to do what’s required as a solopreneur with focus, effectiveness, and efficiency. These books offer tips to increase your productivity.

New evidence suggests that we work best if we follow our individual circadian rhythm. This book includes a short test to determine your type, and specific programs to make the best use of your particular rhythm in order to succeed. Especially helpful for writers: the best time to brainstorm or draft, and the best time to edit.